Five Things: No-Miss Choices for Providence Restaurant Weeks
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Nothing gets Sean DeBobes more excited than Providence Restaurant Weeks, when dozens of the city's finest spots put out great menus at bargain prices. But even a critic doesn't have enough nights to hit every place between January 15 and 28. Here are the five menus you won't want to miss.
One. Roots (Waterman Grille, Providence)
There may not be any snow yet, but I am still craving those cold-weather constants. The Waterman Grille is delivering through all of its Restaurant Weeks courses. Start with the Parsnip Soup (from Schartner Farms) that is finished with truffle oil. When you are solidly in root mode you will be ready for the braised short ribs with braising greens and a celeriac puree. This root isn’t winning any beauty contests but all the peeling and pureeing pays out with a rich and satisfying flavor – especially when someone else is paring.
Two. The Farro-est of them all (Centro, Providence)
Centro at Providence's Westin Hotel is shaking up risotto, combining with farro and roasted beets. It is important to eat your colors and this rice dish served with Atlantic salmon will have you on your way. Stay for dessert, a flourless
chocolate and Frangelico torte with a hazelnut wafer and mixed berry coulis.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Three. That’s Haute (Hourglass Brasserie, Bristol)
I might need to drive to Bristol twice for dinner next week. The Hourglass Brasserie has put together a menu for Restaurant Weeks that has me salivating for a butternut squash veloute with a sage beurre noisette , pickled apples, aged balsamic and Chorizo oil. If that doesn’t put you on the East Bay maybe the next course will. A cocoa rubbed pork tenderloin with grilled polenta, apple jam and a black berry gastrique is sure to create some memorable flavors.
Four. Savory Donut (XO Café, Providence)
Chow Fun Food Group consistently brings something to the table that gets my taste buds going. This Restaurant Week is no exception. John Elkhay’s XO Café is presenting a crispy braised pork belly with shoulder confit on a beignet. Watch out Big Easy – this version served with a jus courtesy of my favorite cider in the state from Hill Orchard looks like a can’t-miss course.
Five. Try Someplace New (Vintage, Woonsocket)
Woonsocket, what’s that? I know, making that 14 minute trip up 146 seems like too much… but the sixth most populous city in the state has some beautiful buildings and a few tasty restaurants worth trying out. Vintage restaurant is offering quite a deal with a three course dinner featuring Filet Mignon with herbed butter or a north Indian spice braised lamb shank with saffron rice. So fill up the gas tank and head in a direction Hitchcock could be proud of.
Providence Restaurant Weeks runs January 15-28. Enjoy 3-course lunch menus for $14.95, and 3-course dinner menus for $29.95 (selected restaurants are participating in 2 for 1 specials). For all the menus plus all information, go here.
Keep up with Sean DeBobes and Five Things on Facebook, here.
For more coverage of Providence Restaurant Weeks, stay tuned to GoLocalTV, fresh every day at 4pm and on demand 24/7, here.
